Pawpaw
Asimina triloba · Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblanceolate to obovate with an acute to acuminate tip
Margin
Entire (smooth) and slightly wavy
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent, raised midrib and distinctly raised lateral veins forming a reticulate pattern.
Key Features
Very large, simple, alternate, obovate leaves with entire margins and prominent pinnate venation; crushed leaves often emit a disagreeable or rank odor.
Description
The leaves are characteristically large, drooping, and tropical-looking, giving the understory a lush, exotic appearance. In autumn, the foliage turns a striking, bright golden-yellow before dropping.
Habitat
Understory tree found in rich, moist, deep lowland soils, floodplains, and along riverbanks, preferring partial to full shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern, southern, and midwestern United States, extending into parts of southern Ontario, Canada.